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Kayaking around Alaska

Wild, Woolly & Wow with Glacier Bay

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Wilderness Legacy
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Embark on an 8-day Alaska with Glacier Bay adventure cruise aboard the Wilderness Legacy. Begin from Juneau with a welcome cocktail and dinner as the captain and crew introduce the adventure ahead. Wake up in Hobart Bay and choose from activities like kayaking, hiking, and biking. Witness the stunning LeConte Glacier, paddle among icebergs, and explore the untouched wilderness. In Thomas Bay, hike to Cascade Creek and kayak to a salmon run. At Kuiu Island, marvel at sea otters, black bears, and possibly snorkel in its diverse marine ecosystem. Seek Coastal Brown Bears along Chichagof Island’s coastline, with opportunities for kayaking and skiff tours. Finally, delve into the lesser-seen parts of Glacier Bay National Park. Conclude back in Juneau, cherishing memories of an extraordinary experience.
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Highlights
  • Explore Hobart Bay for paddling, skiff rides, hikes, and biking adventures
  • Witness the imposing beauty of LeConte Glacier up close by kayak
  • Encounter black bears and sea otters on Kuiu Island
  • Hike the outwash field of glaciers in Glacier Bay National Park
Activities
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Juneau, Alaska | Embark

Board the Wilderness Legacy just in time for a welcome cocktail or glass of champagne before dinner. The captain and crew will introduce themselves and provide an overview of the adventure that awaits this week with a kick-off toast! 

Day 2: Hobart Bay

Wake up in Hobart Bay, deep within the Tongass National Forest – tucked into a calm pocket of water where you can take your first paddle, skiff ride, hike, or bike. There’s nobody here but you and you have options that fit any activity order you can dream of. As the day unfolds, set out on a skiff expedition, offering an intimate encounter with the bay's wildlife; a chance to witness majestic eagles soaring gracefully overhead. For avid cyclists, a thrilling mountain bike excursion awaits, beckoning you to explore the hidden depths of the lush forest. A locally sourced meal awaits you back on the boat, so don’t be afraid to go big on your first full day. 

Day 3: La Conte Glacier

Enjoy LeConte Glacier, noted as the southernmost tidewater glacier in the Northern Hemisphere, and an awe-inspiring landscape. Guests witness the glacier's imposing beauty up close, a highlight of the Alaskan wilderness. Realize there are no mega-ships at this most amazing glacier, as they are much too large to enter the shallow entrance to this magical wilderness fjord. You will spend most of your day here, exploring by kayak, small boat, and if conditions permit, by stand-up paddle board. You may even have a chance to go ashore and frolic amongst icebergs stranded on the beach.

Day 4: Thomas Bay, Land of the Kushtaka

Mist hangs in the air. The soft exhale of a whale wakes you from your well-deserved slumber. The anchor drops into the milky blue waters of Thomas Bay as the summer sun cuts through the mist and the fog lifts. You hear it before you see it – a profound amount of water cuts through the forest in a series of waterfalls known as Cascade Creek. This is a favorite location for crew – one of the very few accessible trails in Southeast Alaska. Not to be missed, a hiking challenge to suit any skill level. After your foray into the woods, head back to the Legacy for a hearty meal as the boat repositions to the other side of Thomas Bay for new adventures. Water access is unmatched here, a kayak to a salmon run or skiff tour in search of bears wraps up your day. 

Day 5: Whale Watching & Kuiu Island

The west side of Kuiu Island is the playground for the day. You're in the black-bear country now, and Kuiu Island plays host to the densest population of the iconic species on the planet. Tucked into the Bay of Pillars, the waters are calm and filled with the smallest marine mammal on earth – the sea otter. Rafts of otters float by – unperturbed by your presence and about as cute as one might imagine them to be. Humpback whales patrol the reefs in search of schools of herring–resident bubble-netters are a rare and exciting sight. The cold, nutrient-rich waters provide opportunities not just for above-water activities. Try your hand at a snorkel (the warmest wetsuits in the industry are available, fear not) and unlock an entire universe of discovery as you discover the most diverse population of sea stars on earth, a surprise to many who visit this place. The cold water is forgotten for a moment as you're transported into what can only be described as a "cold water tropical reef." The Pacific transforms into the wildest touch-tank you can imagine. 

Day 6: Brown Bear Search Near the Shores of Chichagof Island

Seek out the elusive Coastal Brown Bear along this rugged coastline. The East side of Chichagof Island includes three specific areas that have exceptionally good opportunities for sighting these wonderful creatures. Your Captain will use his knowledge to put you in the best spot, which changes regularly. This day may include the opportunity for hikes ashore, kayaking, skiff rides and hopefully watching brown bears from all our small boats and kayaks. The bear population is abundant in this area. The day concludes as you get underway, and guests share their experiences and photos with fellow travelers.

Day 7: Glacier Bay National Park Outback

This national park covers 3.3 million acres (that’s a tad smaller than the state of Connecticut). Let that sink in. Most visitors see the same sliver of the park as everyone else. Not you. You’re going the furthest and exploring parts that 99% of visitors never go to. Hike the outwash field of glaciers winding down the Fairweather Mountain Range. The cool breeze off the nearby snow and ice fields is energizing. As the day winds down, it's time for Captain's Dinner. But that's not all – you'll also get to watch a slideshow of all the amazing things you've done this week. It's like a movie starring you, the incredible explorer for kids and families.

Day 8: Juneau | Disembark

Welcome back to Juneau. Enjoy your last breakfast aboard. Check your cabin's nook and cranny for all your things and say farewell to the crew as you disembark, get that last family photo, and wave goodbye until next time.

Ship/Hotel

Wilderness Legacy

Wilderness Legacy

Wilderness Legacy

Embark on this refurbished 88-small ship, the Legacy. Emulating an earlyl victorian steamer, this charming vessel carries guests on small ship cruises to Alaska, Columbia River cruises, and historic Northwest exploration. History comes alive with lecturer
Wilderness Legacy Excursion
SS Legacy's Pesky Barnacle Saloon.
SS Legacy's lounge area in the Owner's Suite.

Juneau - Hotels

Mendenhall Glacier with field of Fireweed in Juneau, Alaska

Westmark Baranof

Centrally located in downtown Juneau, the historic Westmark Baranof Hotel stands out among all hotels in Alaska’s state capital. Just steps from the waterfront, cruise ship docks, boutique shopping, and the State Capitol building, the Westmark Baranof Hotel offers travelers premier location and accommodations.
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Four Points by Sheraton Juneau

Four Points by Sheraton Juneau

Four Points By Sheraton Juneau is an amazing Juneau lodging choice for your trip to Alaska. With numerous amenities for guests such as a 24-hour front desk, fitness center, dry cleaning service, you will wake up at Four Points By Sheraton Juneau feeling invigorated every day for your time in Juneau.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

Save $500 on Summer Departure 24285
Book by August 31, 2024, and save $500 per person on Alaska 2024 departures on June 1, 2024, and later. This offer applies to new bookings, is subject to availability, and is not combinable with other discounts. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.

Reference LeapAK500
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Sail Solo and Save 24287
Book by August 31, 2024, as a solo traveler and enjoy a waived single supplement on select cabins aboard the Wilderness Legacy and the Safari Endeavour. Valid for new bookings only. Offers are not combinable with each other and have limited combinability with any other offers. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.

Reference: LeapAKSolo
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4 People for the Price of 3 24291
Book by August 31, 2024, for a trip for 4 people for the price of 3 on select sailings in 2024 on the Wilderness Legacy, Wilderness Discoverer, or Safari Endeavour. This is valid for new bookings. Offers are not combinable with each other and have limited combinability with any other offers. The free berth is applied to the cabin of lesser value. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.

Reference LeapAK4for3
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Group Savings 24302
Book by August 31, 2024 for groups of 10+ guests traveling on select departures of the Wilderness Legacy or Safari Endeavour, and select dates on the Wilderness Discoverer – receive 29% savings (for Leap Year)! Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.​

Reference LeapAKGroup
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Group Savings 24377
Book now for a group of 6 or more guests and enjoy a 5% discount for the entire group on all sailings in 2025! Offers are capacity-controlled and can expire at any time. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.​

Reference Group6Save
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Sail Solo and Waive Single Supplement 24379
Book now as solo travelers and receive a waived single supplement on April, May, and September 2025 departures in Trailblazer and Navigator cabins aboard the Wilderness Legacy and Safari Endeavour. This offer is valid for new bookings only. Offers cannot be combined and have limited combinability with any other offers. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.

Reference 2025AKSolo
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Early-Bird Savings for 2025 24380
Book now and enjoy 2024 pricing with an additional 10% savings on Alaska 2025 departures. Offer is valid for new bookings, subject to availability, and cannot be combined with other discounts. All offers are capacity-controlled and may expire at any time. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.​

Reference BestEBD2025
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Per person starting at
$4,800 2-3 travelers
SS Legacy's Commander's Stateroom
Navigator
Cabins 103, 104, 319, 320 (double bed), View window, private bath with shower. 103 and 104 may be sold as single occupancy. Your cabin comes complete with a hairdryer, towels, eco-friendly hair and body products.
SS Legacy's Master Stateroom.
Trailblazer
Cabins 105, 106 (double) 311 (queen) 107 - 111 (twin) 206 - 210 (twin) 303 - 308, 312-318 (twin). View window, private bath with shower. hairdryer, towels, eco-friendly hair and body products.
SS Legacy's Captain Stateroom
Pathfinder
Cabins 212, 214 (queen) 211, 213 (queen or twins) View window, private bath with shower. Your cabin comes with a hairdryer, towels, eco-friendly hair, and body products.
SS Legacy's Admiral Stateroom
Admiral
Cabins 101, 102 (queen) 201 (twins), 202, 309, 310 (queen or twins) View window, private bath with shower. hairdryer, towels, eco-friendly hair and body products.
SS Legacy' Owner's Suite
Jr Commodore
Cabins 301 and 302 (queen bed) View windows, private bath with shower. Your cabin comes complete with a hairdryer, towels, eco-friendly hair, and body products.
SS Legacy's Commodore Suite.
Commodore Suite
King bed. Two-room suite with view windows, private bath with tub. hairdryer, towels, eco-friendly hair and body products.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Non-Alcoholic Beverages
  • Wellness amenities 
  • From-the-vessel adventure activities and equipment
     
  • Group transfers and baggage handling between airport/vessel on embark/disembark day
  • Entry fees to national parks/preserves
  • Premium wine, beer and liquor (excludes super-premium wines)
  • Exclusive activities and shore visits
  • Onboard expedition/heritage guides and guest experts
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Port taxes/fees
  • Optional excursions and land tours
  • Onboard wifi

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The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
TrustScore 4.8 | 254 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
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Based on 254 reviews on
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1 day ago
The holiday of a lifetime. The company is Alaksa-owned and thhat makes a big difference to the experineces you get i.e. meet genuine First Nations tribes people. The amount of wildlife was beyond my expectation, and seeing everything on sucha small, intimate boat made it even more spoecial and unique.
Liz O
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2 days ago
It was an outstanding, up-close, educational vacation of nature, culture, history, animals and geology! It was everything they promised! Binoculars were plentiful on the boat, but I'm glad I brought my own. Food was excellent. Rooms had black-out shades. Pack/wear multiple layers of clothing (I carried a small backpack when off the ship). Crew were delightful and very accommodating! Remember to jump FEET FIRST first when taking the optional polar plunge! Spend as much time outdoors as you are able and ENJOY!!!
Janet Dutton
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1 month ago
Excellent trip, no glitches, went seamlessly
Ken Kessler
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1 month ago
Very professional
D Dunbar
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1 month ago
I have travelled with Adventure Life previously and certainly eager to do it again. Kassandra made excellent and honest suggestions while taking the time to understand what was important to us.
Susan
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